A 7.5MW solar farm is moving ahead on green belt land in Derbyshire after winning planning approval, marking a notable decision in the ongoing balance between energy infrastructure and land conservation.
North East Derbyshire District Council approved Ethical Power Development’s proposal to install photovoltaic panels across seven hectares of farmland near Wingerworth. The system is expected to supply renewable power to around 2,760 homes.
While the site sits on protected green belt land, the council ruled that the environmental and energy benefits of the project outweighed the impact on the local landscape. Key planning conditions include site restoration after 40 years, time-restricted construction activity, and assessments for land contamination and potential mining legacy risks.
The decision went through with a narrow majority, despite objections from residents, the parish council, and conservation groups. Concerns centred on the project’s proximity to housing, visual disruption, and the principle of using undeveloped land for utility-scale renewables.
